Things to Do
You are never short of things to do in Southwark! One of London's most diverse and exciting borough's, it is home to world class attractions, museums and galleries, famous theatres, huge outdoor areas, well known markets and boutique shopping areas.
Southwark has many world famous attractions and many people will be familiar with names such as Shakespeare's Globe, Imperial War Museum, Tower Bridge Exhibition and the London Dungeon, however it is also home to many quirky and less well known attractions such as the Old Operating Theatre, Clink Prison Museum, Brunel Engine House and the Bramah Tea and Coffee Museum.
Many art lovers will immediately think of the magnificent Tate Modern gallery with regards to the area, however Southwark is also home to England's oldest public art gallery- Dulwich Picture Gallery as well as a range of contemporary art galleries such as the South London Gallery and Cafe Gallery Projects.
Bankside was once home to London's theatre district in the 1600's and today with the reconstructed Shakespeare's Globe, the critically acclaimed Menier Chocolate Factory and the Unicorn Theatre for Children, Southwark still makes a vital contribution to London's theatre scene.
Southwark has shopping areas to appeal to all tastes, from trendy Bermondsey Street to the charming village feel of Dulwich and the hustle, bustle and diversity of the Elephant and Castle and the Walworth Road. Market fans will enjoy visiting the famous Borough Market in Bankside or the Bermondsey Antiques Market. Visitors wanting to see an authentic English market should head to East Street which is still very popular with locals as it has been for decades.
You are never far from a park in Southwark and with the north side of the Borough bordered by the River Thames; it is an excellent place to spend time outdoors. From large parks with many varying facilities such as Dulwich Park, Southwark Park and Peckham Rye Park, to smaller areas such as Russia Dock Woodland and Chumleigh Gardens.
Southwark is a historical, diverse, exciting and fun filled borough with many gems just waiting to be discovered by visitors. Visit our top tips page to help you make the most of your time here.
